Work-Life

What I Did.

As a Marketing Intern at the Singapore Book Council (SBC), I played an active role in promoting literary initiatives and supporting the organisation’s outreach to diverse audiences locally and abroad. A core part of my responsibilities involved managing communication platforms such as e-newsletters, social media channels, and the SBC website. I regularly created and scheduled content tailored to different platforms, ensuring brand consistency while amplifying SBC’s mission to support and nurture Singapore’s literary arts. In addition, I designed marketing collateral that communicated the essence of SBC’s work in engaging and accessible ways—whether it was through digital posters, promotional emails, or event announcements.

Working collaboratively with the marketing team, I contributed to the planning, promotion, and execution of flagship events such as the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) and the Singapore Literature Prize. I was responsible for overseeing the logistics and dissemination of marketing materials, crafting digital campaigns, and ensuring clear and consistent messaging across all touchpoints. These campaigns were often under tight timelines, and I had to stay adaptable as event requirements evolved quickly. I learned to navigate challenges such as last-minute content changes, multiple stakeholder inputs, and real-time communication demands. These experiences strengthened my time management, creative problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills—especially when liaising with external vendors, media contacts, and community partners.

What I Learned.

This internship gave me valuable insight into the intersection of marketing, community engagement, and cultural development. I gained hands-on experience in digital communication and campaign planning, learning how to shape and deliver messages that resonate with specific audiences. From writing social media copy to coordinating e-newsletters, I developed a keen sense of how tone, timing, and platform can influence engagement. I also became more confident using digital tools and content management systems to execute multi-channel marketing campaigns effectively and efficiently.

More importantly, being part of major literary events allowed me to witness the behind-the-scenes coordination that drives successful cultural programming. I developed a deep appreciation for the level of detail, planning, and teamwork that goes into event marketing—from conceptualisation to post-event reporting. It was also a valuable opportunity to observe how marketing strategies must remain agile and responsive to real-time developments. These lessons reinforced the importance of collaboration and trust within a team, especially when working toward shared outcomes under pressure. Ultimately, the internship deepened my appreciation for the role of storytelling and literature in fostering dialogue, reflection, and community connection.

Goals for Continued Learning.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue developing my expertise in arts marketing, digital strategy, and audience engagement — particularly within the literary and cultural sectors. I intend to take part in workshops and courses focused on areas such as content creation, social media analytics, community outreach, and digital storytelling. These learning opportunities will help me build technical fluency while staying current with evolving trends and best practices in cultural communication.

I am also keen to take on leadership roles in future projects, where I can support creative direction and campaign development while mentoring others in a collaborative environment. In parallel, I plan to stay engaged with the literary community by volunteering at events, joining arts networks, and contributing to initiatives that champion local voices. This internship has been a transformative experience — it not only clarified my professional interests but also reaffirmed my commitment to promoting literature, culture, and community through meaningful and purpose-driven communication. I look forward to bringing this passion into future work that inspires, informs, and connects people across backgrounds.